Chinese Folk Masks

The earliest traces of Chinese folk masks, dating back to the
prehistoric age, have been found in the rock paintings in Guangxi and
Inner Mongolia. Besides, human imagery wearing masks was often the
subject for archaic earthen and mural decorations. In the following
dynasties in 3,000 years, Chinese folk masks have developed to an
unprecedented level. Using local materials such as wood, paper, cloth,
animal hides, and shells of bamboo shoots and so on, the folk
handicraftsmen from various regions and of different ethnic origins
have made masks of every color and design, fully displaying the charm
of China's rich and varied folk mask culture. This album investigates
the ethnic masks found or still used in Sichuan, Yunnan, Chongqing,
Jiangxi, Guangxi, Shaanxi and Tibet, and places them in three
categories according to their uses as sacrificial, dancing, and
exorcizing masks.Contents:Dancing MasksTheatrical Masks for Nuo OperaTheatrical Masks for Di OperaTibetan MasksSacrificial MasksExorcizing Masks of a HouseReferences